Ashton Agar: Rahul Dravid is My Idol

Australia's Ashton Agar, 19, who shot to fame with his 98-run innings while batting at No. 11 against England in the Ashes, considers Rahul Dravid as his hero.

JAIPUR: Ashton Agar may have created ripples for Australia, but it is an Indian he looks up to. The young cricketer, 19, who shot to fame with his 98-run innings while batting at No. 11 against England in the Ashes, considers Rahul Dravid as his hero.

Despite watching many legendary Australian cricketers from close quarters, the young spinner doesn't hesitate in showing his affinity towards the former India captain.

"I have grown up watching Dravid and since childhood, he's been my idol. He is a wonderful batsman and I've learnt a lot from his batting. He plays a great role in my cricketing life," Agar told TOI on Wednesday.

Presently in India with the Perth Scorchers, Agar even plans to meet Dravid and take a few tips. "It's always a pleasure to learn from a great cricketer and it would be fun playing against him during the Champions League Twenty20," an excited Agar said.

Agar, who has a world record in his name for that brilliant knock in the first Ashes Test, however, wants to see himself as an all-rounder in the near future.

"There are times when you bat well and your bowling suffers. For me too, a similar thing happened. But now, I want to become a genuine all-rounder and I'm working hard for that. I'm focusing on developing my skills," the youngster admitted.

Despite a dream debut, Agar failed to make the cut in the later part of the series, but the youngster isn't dwelling much into the past. Having received bowling tips from Shane Warne, Agar is now looking forward to playing the Ashes at home.